LDP returns with landslide in Japan

Japan’s conservative Liberal Democratic Party returned to power in a landslide election victory on Sunday after three years in opposition, according to early returns, signalling a rightward shift in the government that could further heighten tensions with China, a key economic partner as well as rival. We can’t just get energy from other countries in a pinch.” The results were a sharp rebuke for Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda’s ruling Democratic Party of Japan, reflecting widespread unhappiness for its failure to keep campaign promises and get the stagnant economy going during its three years in power. “Now we are facing the test of how we can live up to the public’s expectations, and we have to answer that question.” The ruling Democrats, who won in a landslide three years ago amid high hopes for change, captured just 57 seats, according to interim results, down sharply from pre-election strength of 230. “It was the voters’ judgment to our failure to live up to their expectations.” The LDP will stick with its long-time partner New Komeito, backed by a large Buddhist organisation, to form a coalition government, party officials said.